Plan at a glance
Lake area and transport anchors
Pinqing Lake lies southeast of central Shanwei and covers about 23 square kilometres. Zhongshan Ferry Pier is the departure point for sightseeing boats and ferries, Shanmei Square is a convenient entrance to the lakeside greenway, and Shashewai Ferry Pier is the key crossing point for the peninsula.
Free areas and boat tickets
The lakeside greenway and public squares are free. Sightseeing boats cost CNY 68 for adults and CNY 40 for children and usually need advance booking. The Shashewai ferry costs CNY 10 per person and runs 6:30–18:30.
How to use the lake
The lake suits cycling, waterfront views, boat trips, families and slow late-afternoon exploration. A half-day is enough for either a boat trip or a short cycling route; longer rides toward Shashewai, the mangroves or more distant greenway sections require attention to supplies, fitness and the ferry timetable.
Ready to book?
Use the standard admission package for the core shuttle route; confirm the visit date and current opening hours before checkout.
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Three-hour easy half-day
Take the roughly one-hour sightseeing boat from Zhongshan Ferry Pier, then continue to Shanmei Square and the waterside coffee area. This is suited to visitors with limited time who want lake, sea and city views without a long ride.
Two- to four-hour lakeside cycling route
Start at Shanmei Square, then continue through East Greenway, Egret Coffee, Qinglongtou and Shashewai. You can return by ferry from Shashewai or cycle back; work backward from the 18:30 last ferry when planning the start time.
Longer outdoor route
Begin at Zhongshan Ferry Pier, then ride via Mangrove Beach for around 4.6 km, the sea boardwalk for around 7.17 km, and the greenway cruise section for around 18.57 km before reaching Shashewai Ferry Pier. This route is for experienced cyclists carrying their own water and electrolytes, not for an improvised night ride.
Build your day
Sightseeing boat: understand the lake, sea and city from the water
The boat leaves Zhongshan Ferry Pier and passes Fengshan Mazu, small fishing villages and the Shashe Peninsula in around one hour. Leave time for ticket collection and boarding, then continue to Shanmei Square after disembarking rather than trying to fit every lakeside stop into the boat window.
Greenway: easy riding and birdwatching
The greenway is flat and separates people from vehicles, making Shanmei Square a good eastern starting point. At Qinglongtou, look for egrets, mangrove scenery and wide lake views. Stop for photos only in safe, designated or clearly suitable places.
Shashewai: skyline and sunset
Shashewai is a good place to see Shanwei’s skyline, the lake and sunset silhouettes. Check the ferry timetable as soon as you arrive; if you are not taking the ferry, turn back before dark or arrange road transport.
Get there
Driving and parking
Navigate to “Zhongshan Ferry Pier” or “Shanmei Square.” Nearby marked parking is generally around CNY 3 per hour and free after 20:00. Decide whether you are taking a boat or cycling before choosing where to park.
High-speed rail and buses
A taxi from Shanwei Railway Station to Zhongshan Ferry Pier takes around 15 minutes. Bus 6 also goes to Zhongshan Ferry Pier for around CNY 2, making it practical to start with the sightseeing boat.
Cycling options
Shared electric scooters cost around CNY 3 for 20 minutes and work for short lakeside transfers; bicycles are better for longer routes. On village roads, monitor battery level, lock scooters properly and leave enough time to return before nightfall.
Know before you go
Boat booking and boarding
Sightseeing boats carry about 58 passengers per departure, and tickets can be limited on public holidays. Book at least one day ahead and arrive at the ticket window around 20 minutes before boarding.
Supplies and sun protection
There are few convenience stores or vending machines along the greenway, so carry at least 1.5 litres of water and electrolytes for a ride. The lake is windy and exposed to sun, so bring a hat, sunglasses and sun protection; evening riders need lights.
Last ferry and crowd timing
The Shashewai ferry runs about every 30 minutes, with the last crossing at 18:30. Missing it means taking a longer route or a taxi. Early morning, around 5:30–9:00, is good for sunrise and cooler air; after 16:00 is better for late-afternoon light, and weekdays are more relaxed than public holidays.